Writermom's next chapter

[writermom]

I'm over here, Martini!

Things have been busy, busy lately. I have a big work meeting in Miami later this month so thing at work have been crazy. DD is having some trouble with homework this year, specifically math, so I had to get her extra help with that. I intentionally scaled back her schedule this year because all the extracurricular stuff was making me crazy and she didn't love it that much anyway. But then her art teacher started an art club and since art is her passion I had to let her do that. So no matter how hard I try to cut back on the chaos, it happens anyway.

I've been doing so good lately with my working out and sticking with my points. But I have gained weight anyway. I saw my doc yesterday and he took blood to run a thyroid panel. I'm almost hoping something shows up because this is just ridiculous.

Today is my 9th wedding anniversary. And last Friday was my birthday. They are within 6 days of each other so I get flowers and gifties two weeks in a row. For my birthday I got a little silver seashell for my Pandora bracelet and a giant balloon that said "Birthday Queen" I love it!

Hope everyone is having a good week!

[writermom]

I'm back with an update. My husband, who is a traditionalist, says 9 years is porcelain or willow. So in keeping with tradition, he got me a porcelain bird feeder in the shape of a big fat cat. I love it!

[Bejewelme]

Laura- Happy B-day and Anniversary!!!!!

My first is coming, what is that?? I guess I need to get hubs a present??? Hmmm nah, he can get me one! LOL

[kittycitygirl]

Happy Birthday! And Happy Anniversary!

[writermom]

Amber, 1st anniversary is paper so you could get him a book by an author he likes or a nice card plus a gift. Second is tougher because it's cotton!

[pooticus]

Hi Laura! Love the sound of that birdfeeder! The hubby sounds like a hoot!!! Love ya!

[janetsbreeze]

Have a great day Laura!

[nikkiluvslowcarb]

Hey Laura, how ya doing? Happy late birthday and anniversary!

[writermom]

I'm hanging in there gals. I have a 8-day work conference coming up next week in Miami and things are stress city at work right now. DD keeps saying "Can't they make someone else go who isn't a mom?" I know it's hard on her but it must be done. Good news is my hotel is a hike from the convention center so I plan to walk it as many days as I can to get my exercise in since I'll be sitting in sessions all day.

[Bejewelme]

Oh boy have fun in Miami Laura I am sure hubby will take good care of DD!!! Tell her you will bring her back something good!

[writermom]

Thanks, Amber! Guess what? There was a mixup with my hotel and they had to move me to The Perry. I just Googled it--all kinds of celebs hang out there. I'm going to be cruising around the lobby and the infinity pool looking for famous peeps and get some pics to show you all!

[kittycitygirl]

Good luck celeb hunting!

Agree, DH will take good care of DD

[Bejewelme]

Poor Laura she is in a bad area, thinking of her and her family!!!!!!! I saw on FB she got a generator so now has power, Laura, be safe, I feel for you!

[kittycitygirl]

Any news from Laura?

Prayers for you all Hun

[kittycitygirl]

Laura's ok, but many in that area need help. Prayers for all out there.

[writermom]

Hi ladies!
Yes, we were pretty hard hit with the storm. No power for 9 days and then the Nor'easter hit and we got 6 inches of snow. We were lucky though because many around us lost everything. We're all concentrating on helping out where we can and getting back to normal. School resumes for us Monday, which is important because the kids need that sense of normalcy to get through this. Many landmarks and things we took for granted are gone. It's hard enough for me to see that, I can't imagine what kids must think.

[kittycitygirl]

Yes, going to be especially hard on the kids. Glad you were spared the extreme hardship. If there is a particular need you are seeing, let us know. I know that many would love to help, but not sure what we can do besides cash donations. If you see other areas we can help in, I'll get the word out for you all.

Hugs and prayers for you all.

[writermom]

My SIL got back into her house on Sunday night with her 4 kids, which was a big surprise to all of us because they had 6 feet of mud in the basement. But on sunday afternoon a group of guys came and shoveled all the mud out and said "We are going to get you back in your house" and they did! They had been staying with my parents and my sister off and on since the storm so I know they were glad to get home. People around here have been so amazing in helping others in whatever way they can.

[writermom]

I'm back and recommitting to WWPP. I've fallen off the wagon a bit the last few weeks and am up a few pounds so I need to get back to tracking everything. Today is Day 2 and I'm doing great but must fit in some exercise before the end of the day.

I have to share my fabulous new find that I got this weekend. Balsamic vinegar with pear pulp It's sooo good! I put some on broccoli slaw last night and couldn't stop eating it. Today I put some on my turkey, lettuce and tomato wrap for lunch. I've never tried flavored vinegar before so it was a nice surprise.

Hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for Christmas. I did some online shopping this weekend, including getting the gift DD wants most--Furby! I was going crazy trying to find the purple one but finally got it. It's going to be a lean Christmas for us since we had to lay out alot of money for a generator during the hurricane and I didn't work for 2 weeks. I'm just focusing on those few special presents that I want to give and enjoying the season with my family and friends.

[kittycitygirl]

Glad your SIL is back in her home. That is wonderful!

Celebrate what you have....each other...I know I will be here. Hugs

The vinegar sounds Devine!

Now that things are getting back to "normal", it should be easier to stay on plan.

[Bejewelme]

Laura you had a lot of major stressors with that storm, thank God your family is OK and back in their house and now you have to think about the holidays it was devastating! Glad you are safe though and yeah for the Furby!!!!

[writermom]

I'm back ya'll. And I'm back on my points after recommitting myself last week. I've been staying within my points range every day and I'm actually feeling confident about vacation next week. DD and I are going to FL to visit my parents. They eat out alot but I'm preparing myself. Lots of salads and broiled seafood. I will stay on plan!

Hope everyone is having a good day!

[janetsbreeze]

Laura, so glad you are back!

[kittycitygirl]

She's back!

[writermom]

I've had a really great week with no cheats. That is a major accomplishment for me!

Here's hoping my momentum holds out through my vacation. I feel positive, so that is a big plus. I'll be gone for about a week but will be back soon tan and rested! Talk amongst yourselves.

[janetsbreeze]

Enjoy your vacation!

[kittycitygirl]

Have a great time!

[Bejewelme]

Have fun Laura!!!!!!!!!!!!

[writermom]

Wow! I didn't realize I have been away from my journal since January. I'm sure no one even checks with me anymore, but here's an update anyway:

What's up with me? Well I started a couch to 5K running program in early March using an app on my phone. It's been hard but I've stuck with it, running 3 times a week since then. I repeated weeks and days whenever I couldn't finish or if I finished and was gasping like a fish I knew I had to repeat. So, although I am technically only on week 5, day 2 of the app, I have become a runner. I can now run for about 21 minutes, only stopping to walk for 30 seconds here or there. I'm super proud and will continue until I reach my ultimate goal of running a 5K race, maybe in October. I never thought at 46 that I could do this, but I can and it's awesome!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!

[kittycitygirl]

See, I saw you posted I'm not around here as much now either.

Glad we are in touch on fb though